Brief Profile


Dr. Neelima Mishra NIB Noida NIB diretor nib Board of Directors - NIB Noida

Dr. Neelima Mishra

Director
National Institute of Biologicals, Noida
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Government of India



Dr. Neelima Mishra is a distinguished scientist and leader, celebrated for her substantial contributions to biomedical research and public health. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies with the highest honors at Jiwaji University, Gwalior, before earning her PhD in Biochemistry from the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, supported by a prestigious UGC fellowship. Since her appointment as Scientist ‘C’ at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2001, Dr. Mishra has demonstrated exceptional leadership in pivotal roles within esteemed scientific and administrative domains, underscoring her unwavering commitment to advancing national health objectives.

At the ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), Dr. Mishra's exemplary work in collaboration with the National program has precipitated transformative policy changes in India's malaria management framework. Notably, her research in 2009 instigated the nationwide prohibition of oral artesunate monotherapy, addressing critical treatment protocols. In 2012, her investigative findings regarding treatment failures of antimalarials catalyzed a pivotal policy shift for the management of falciparum malaria across seven Northeastern states. Dr. Mishra has spearheaded important clinical trials on artemisinin resistance, executed G6PD deficiency screenings, and generated crucial pharmacovigilance data, thereby enhancing the safety profiles of antimalarials in endemic regions.

In her role as Program Officer for Vector-Borne Diseases at ICMR Headquarters from 2023 to 2024, Dr. Mishra meticulously coordinated strategic evaluations in collaboration with Program Review Committees, MERA India, and the ICMR Expert Committee on Vector Control Products. Prior to this, she served as Scientist ‘G’ at the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), where she directed critical initiatives from 2020 to 2022 to bolster national R&D efforts, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership encompassed facilitating funding allocations for high-impact projects and orchestrating the Indo-Italian Webinar on “COVID-19: Perspectives and challenges” in early 2020, fostering international dialogue and insights during a critical period of the pandemic.

Dr. Mishra's contributions to malaria research include the development of an innovative diagnostic method for Plasmodium detection, achieving an unprecedented detection limit of fewer than one parasite per microliter, for which she holds both Indian and international patents. Her collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has yielded vital data on preventive strategies for malaria in pregnant populations in India.

Dr. Mishra has actively pursued specialized training across various domains, reflecting her commitment to professional development and excellence. Her notable training experiences include Senior Leadership Training (FICCI, 2020), a Leadership Course on Malaria Elimination at Harvard Business School (2015), advanced courses in international clinical research and ethics (NIAD, Bangkok, 2015), and specialized training on recombinant protein technologies at the University of Delhi (2019). Most recently, in 2023, she completed an intensive program on the Effective Implementation and Internal Audit of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Laboratory Standards, further enhancing her expertise in quality management systems.

As a dedicated mentor and advocate for capacity building, Dr. Mishra has guided a diverse array of scientists, including women scientists, international fellows, and doctoral candidates.

She has also coordinated numerous on-site training programs for healthcare professionals nationwide, aimed at strengthening malaria control and drug resistance monitoring efforts.

Dr. Mishra’s illustrious career is adorned with prestigious accolades, including the Kshanika ICMR Oration Award for Women Scientists in Biomedical Research (2015). With over 25 years of research experience, she has authored an extensive portfolio of publications in highimpact national and international journals, solidifying her status as an accomplished scientist in biomedical research and public health policy. Her leadership at the National Institute of Biologicals is poised to pave the way for her steadfast dedication to enhancing the quality and safety of biological products and public health in India.